Will Vinton's Claymation Christmas: A Holiday Classic

Will Vinton's Claymation Christmas Celebration is a beloved stop-motion animated holiday special that first aired in 1987, showcasing the unique artistry of clay animation in a festive winter setting. This iconic television special, officially titled *A Claymation Christmas Celebration*, was produced by Will Vinton, a pioneering animator renowned for his mastery of claymation—a blend of clay and animation that brought whimsical, textured characters to life with unparalleled charm. Featuring a mix of musical performances, comedic sketches, and seasonal storytelling, the special stands as a landmark in holiday entertainment and a defining example of 1980s animated craftsmanship. As fans revisit this nostalgic gem each December, interest grows around its production history, cultural significance, and where to watch Will Vinton's claymation Christmas magic today.

The Origins of Will Vinton and Claymation

Before diving into the specifics of the Christmas special, it’s essential to understand the creative force behind it: Will Vinton. Born in 1947 in McMinnville, Oregon, Vinton began experimenting with clay animation while studying architecture at the University of California, Berkeley. His early short film, Mountain Music (1975), won an Academy Award and established him as a leader in the field. He coined the term 'claymation'—a portmanteau of 'clay' and 'animation'—to describe his distinctive stop-motion technique using malleable clay figures manipulated frame-by-frame.

Vinton founded Will Vinton Studios in Portland, Oregon, which became a hub for innovative animation throughout the 1980s and 1990s. The studio earned multiple awards, including four more Oscars, and created memorable campaigns such as the California Raisins and Domino’s Noid. However, one of his most enduring legacies remains A Claymation Christmas Celebration, a prime-time special that brought his signature style to mainstream audiences during the holidays.

A Closer Look at A Claymation Christmas Celebration (1987)

Premiering on CBS on December 21, 1987, A Claymation Christmas Celebration combined music, humor, and holiday spirit through a series of vignettes hosted by two quirky reptilian creatures named Ralph and Ralph’s brother Ralph (both voiced by Vincent Price). These hosts provide dry wit and narration throughout the program, guiding viewers through various segments that reinterpret classic Christmas carols with imaginative clay-animated scenes.

Each musical number features a different visual theme and set of characters:

• 'We Three Kings': Depicted with three wise men traveling across surreal desert landscapes, complete with talking camels and mystical effects.
• 'The First Noel': Illustrated with Nativity-inspired imagery rendered in richly detailed clay textures.
• 'Deck the Halls': Presented in a lively Scottish highland scene with bagpipe-playing sheep and dancing reindeer.
• 'Joy to the World': Showcased animals singing from rooftops and trees in a jubilant urban village.
• 'Carol of the Bells': Featured Eastern European-style wooden toys and folk motifs in rhythmic sync with the music.

The attention to detail—from snowflakes to facial expressions—is remarkable given the painstaking process of stop-motion animation. Each second of footage required dozens of individual frames, with animators adjusting the clay models slightly between shots. This labor-intensive method gave the special its tactile, handmade quality, distinguishing it from traditional cel animation of the era.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

While not as widely broadcast today as some mainstream holiday specials like How the Grinch Stole Christmas or Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Will Vinton's claymation Christmas celebration carved out a cult following among animation enthusiasts and nostalgic adults who grew up watching it in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Its artistic ambition, sophisticated humor, and musical richness set it apart from typical children’s programming.

The special exemplifies what made Will Vinton’s work so influential: a fusion of technical innovation and storytelling flair. It demonstrated that clay animation could be used for more than just commercials or shorts—it could carry full-length entertainment with emotional depth and visual splendor. In fact, Vinton’s success paved the way for later stop-motion classics like Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), which borrowed heavily from the aesthetic and production techniques pioneered by Vinton’s team.

Moreover, the use of classical music paired with original clay visuals helped introduce younger audiences to traditional carols in an engaging, non-preachy format. Unlike many religious-focused holiday programs, Vinton’s special balanced reverence with playfulness, making it accessible across diverse households.

Availability and Where to Watch Today

One of the most frequently asked questions about Will Vinton's claymation Christmas special is whether it's still available to view. Unfortunately, due to complex rights issues stemming from corporate acquisitions—including the eventual sale of Will Vinton Studios to Phil Knight (founder of Nike) and the rebranding as Laika Entertainment—the special has not been officially released on DVD or streaming platforms in recent years.

However, fans can sometimes find full copies uploaded to video-sharing sites like YouTube, though these may be subject to takedown notices due to copyright enforcement. Additionally, select film festivals and retrospectives on American animation have screened restored versions of the special, particularly those honoring Vinton’s contributions after his passing in 2018.

For collectors, rare VHS recordings of the original CBS broadcast remain sought-after items on secondary markets. Some public libraries and university archives with media collections may also hold copies for educational use.

Comparisons to Other Holiday Specials

To appreciate the uniqueness of Will Vinton’s claymation Christmas presentation, it helps to compare it with other well-known animated holiday fare:

Special	Animation Style	Year Released	Distinguishing Features
A Claymation Christmas Celebration	Claymation (stop-motion)	1987	Musical vignettes, Vincent Price narration, artistic texture
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer	Stop-motion (Animagic)	1964	Nostalgic story, Rankin/Bass production, lasting airings
How the Grinch Stole Christmas	Traditional hand-drawn	1966	Dr. Seuss style, moral message, iconic voice acting
The Little Drummer Boy	Stop-motion	1968	Biblical narrative, melancholic tone, Rankin/Bass again
Frosty the Snowman	Traditional animation	1969	Joyful pacing, popular song integration

As shown, while several classics use stop-motion, Vinton’s approach stood out for its emphasis on musical interpretation rather than linear plot. Instead of following one character’s journey, the special offers a concert-like experience, allowing each segment to shine independently.

Why It Still Matters in Modern Holiday Culture

In an age dominated by CGI and digital animation, the warmth and imperfection of claymation feel increasingly precious. There’s something deeply human about seeing fingerprints in the clay, subtle shifts in lighting, and slight inconsistencies in movement—all of which remind viewers that real artists crafted every frame by hand. This authenticity resonates strongly during the holidays, when traditions and handmade values are often celebrated.

Furthermore, Will Vinton’s work inspires contemporary creators. Stop-motion films like Laika’s Kubo and the Two Strings and Missing Link owe a debt to the foundation he built. Even modern holiday advertising occasionally echoes his style, using textured puppets to evoke nostalgia and craftsmanship.

Preserving access to A Claymation Christmas Celebration isn’t just about entertainment—it’s about safeguarding a piece of American animation history. As educators and archivists advocate for broader availability, there is hope that future generations will be able to experience Will Vinton's claymation Christmas vision legally and affordably.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Will Vinton's Claymation Christmas Celebration available on Netflix or Disney+?

No, as of now, the special is not available on any major streaming platform due to unresolved licensing rights.

Who narrated the Claymation Christmas special?

The hosts were two characters named Ralph and his brother Ralph, both voiced by legendary actor Vincent Price.

Can I buy a DVD of A Claymation Christmas Celebration?

There has never been an official commercial DVD release. Copies exist only through unofficial uploads or archival sources.

What year did the Will Vinton Christmas special air?

It premiered on CBS in December 1987.

Did Will Vinton create other holiday specials?

He later produced A Claymation Easter (1992) and A Claymation Halloween Celebration (1994), forming a seasonal trilogy.